Moral formations and struggles amongst migrant workers on the East Rand

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Moral formations and struggles amongst migrant workers on the East Rand
Author:	Sitas, Ari
Year:	1985
Periodical:	Labour, Capital and Society
Volume:	18
Issue:	2
Pages:	372-401
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	associations labour migration workers' housing trade unions
Abstract:	After an explanation of the difference between hostels and compounds, this article concentrates on the hostel system and its diffusionary form of control. Aim is to throw light on some significant changes in migrant workers' lives. The first part of this article, which is based on a case study of the hostels of Vosloorus, a large complex on the East Rand, accommodating 15,000 workers, outlines the interrelationship between defensive combinations amongst migrant metalworkers and their unique cultural formations. The second part outlines the reasons for their disorganization in the post-1972 period. The third part outlines the new 'moral order' arising on the East Rand. The fourth and concluding section outlines the implications of this for the ongoing trade union and community organizations debate. Notes, sum. in French.